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No-brainer Zucchini Soup

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From the archives — just in time to use up those zucchinis.

What else can I say? It seems almost silly to even call this a recipe. Simplicity aside, it’s a fantastic way to get rid of the zucchini that’s taking over your garden. (I actually have no experience with this — having no garden in my small DC apartment — but I hear the rumors.)

It’s also the perfect antidote to a hot summer day: cook it at night — it takes like 30 minutes, tops — and store in the fridge for when you’re too darn lazy to cook but want to taste summer.

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Simple recipe, simple post. I’m officially free from the craze of work, but I’m also off to Alaska for vaca this coming Friday! Don’t worry, though, I’ve stored a post or two to keep you entertained while I’m away, and if I have any luck, I’ll post some good pictures and stories once I return.

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No-Brainer Zucchini Soup

2 pounds zucchini, trimmed and cut crosswise into thirds
3/4 cup chopped onion
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1/4 cup olive oil
4 cups water, divided
1/3 cup packed basil leaves

Equipment: an adjustable-blade slicer fitted with 1/8-inch julienne attachment (I just used a knife and sliced carefully!)

Julienne skin (only) from half of zucchini with slicer; toss with 1/2 teaspoon salt and drain in a sieve until wilted, at least 20 minutes. Coarsely chop remaining zucchini.

Cook onion and garlic in oil in a 3- to 4-quarts heavy saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add chopped zucchini and 1 teaspoon salt and cook, stirring occasionally, 5 minutes. Add 3 cups water and simmer, partially covered, until tender, about 15 minutes. Purée soup with basil in 2 batches in a blender (use caution when blending hot liquids).

Bring remaining cup water to a boil in a small saucepan and blanch julienned zucchini 1 minute. Drain in a sieve set over a bowl (use liquid to thin soup if necessary).

Season soup with salt and pepper. Serve in shallow bowls with julienned zucchini mounded on top.

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Comments on this entry are closed.

  • Deborah August 20, 2008,

    I don’t think I’ve ever seen a zucchini soup like this before! And I have half of the ingredients in my garden!

  • Sylvie August 20, 2008,

    Enjoy your hols!

  • Patricia Scarpin August 22, 2008,

    Have lots of fun!